Upper Gastrointestinal Series

What is an upper gastrointestinal series?

An upper gastrointestinal series is an imaging test of your esophagus, stomach, and first part of your small intestine
(duodenum). The test is done with X-rays after you swallow a special beverage. The
beverage contains either contrast or a powder called barium.

A test of just the back of your mouth and throat (pharynx) and esophagus is called
a swallow. It is called a barium swallow if barium is used. It is called a Gastrografin swallow
if contrast is used. Gastrografin is the brand name of diatrizoic acid, a contrast
material.

X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of your bones and internal
organs. X-rays are most often used to find bone or joint problems, or to check the
heart and lungs. An upper GI series is one type of X-ray.

Fluoroscopy is often used during an upper GI series. Fluoroscopy lets the radiologist
see the barium as it moves through your upper GI tract. It is like an X-ray “movie."

Barium absorbs X-rays and shows up white on X-ray film. When you swallow the barium,
it coats the inside of your upper GI tract organs. This lets the radiologist see how
you swallow. It also shows the size and shape of and how well the organs are working.
These details may not be seen on standard X-rays. Barium is used only to help diagnose
problems in the GI tract.

The radiologist may also use a gas during the test. You may be given a powder, tablet,
or carbonated beverage that makes gas when swallowed. Or you may drink the barium
through a special straw so that you swallow air with the barium. Air or gas will show
up as black on X-ray film. Barium will be white. The gas also expands the organs so
they can be seen better.

When the radiologist uses both barium and gas for the test, it is called a double contrast study. You may drink the water-soluble contrast instead of the barium if you have a tear
or hole (perforation) in your bowel or esophagus.

Why might I need an upper gastrointestinal series?

You may need an upper GI series if your healthcare provider thinks you have a problem
in your esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. These problems may include:

Ulcers. Ulcers may be in your stomach (gastric) or in your small intestine (enteric).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Inflammation (esophagitis, gastritis, or duodenitis) or infection

Noncancerous (benign) tumors

Cancer

Structural problems such as diverticula, strictures, or growths (polyps)

Hiatal hernia. This is when the stomach moves up, either into or alongside the esophagus.

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Food does not move as it should down your throat or esophagus

Chest or abdominal pain

Unexplained vomiting or indigestion

Bloody bowel movements

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend an upper GI series.

What are the risks of an upper gastrointestinal series?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during
the test. Also ask about the risks as they apply to you.

Consider writing down all X-rays you get, including past scans and X-rays for other
health reasons. Show this list to your provider. The risks of radiation exposure may
be tied to the number of X-rays you have and the X-ray treatments you have over time.

Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Radiation exposure
during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.

Because contrast dye is used, there is a very common risk for allergic reaction to
the dye. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to or sensitive to any
medicines, contrast dye, or iodine.

You may be constipated or have impacted stool afterward if all of the barium does
not pass out of your body.

You should not have an upper GI series if you:

Have a hole or tear in your bowel or esophagus (perforation)

Have a blockage in your bowel or severe constipation

Are pregnant

Have severe difficulty swallowing. This may make it more likely for you to get barium
into your lungs.

You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition. Be sure to talk
with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have before the procedure.

How do I get ready for an upper gastrointestinal series?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions
you have about the procedure.

You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure.
Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.

You'll be asked to not eat or drink liquids for 8 hours before the test. This usually
means no food or drink after midnight. If you smoke, you should not smoke after midnight.
Do not chew gum during the 8 hours before the test.

Tell your provider if you are allergic to or sensitive to latex, medicines, contrast
dyes, or iodine.

Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Tell your provider about all medicines you are taking. This includes prescriptions,
over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. You may need to stop taking certain
medicines before the test.

Tell the technologist if you have had a recent barium, contrast X-ray, or gallbladder
scan. Any of these may make the upper GI test less accurate.

Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you to get ready.

What happens during an upper gastrointestinal series?

You may have an upper GI series as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital.
The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare
provider's practices.

Generally, an upper GI series follows this process:

You'll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in
the way of the scan.

You may be asked to remove clothing. If so, you will be given a gown to wear.

The technologist may take X-rays of your heart, lung, and belly (abdomen) first.

The technologist will ask you to swallow some of a thick beverage. The beverage contains
contrast. It is usually flavored, but it may not taste good.

Or you may be given a thinner beverage if the scan uses barium.

As you swallow the contrast, the technologist will take a series of X-rays or video
(fluoroscopy) to watch the contrast or barium move down your throat and esophagus.

You may also be asked to swallow a barium tablet. This can help the technologist see
certain problems in the esophagus.

The technologist may press on your abdomen during the test. This will help him or
her see your stomach. It will also help the contrast coat the inside of your stomach.

For a double contrast study, you may be asked to swallow a powder, tablet, or carbonated
beverage. Or you may be asked to drink the barium through a special straw. The gas
from the contract will expand and help the technologist see the inside of your upper
GI organs. It is important not to burp.

During some of the test you will be asked to stand or sit. At other times you will
be placed on an X-ray table that can tilt. The table will move you from lying flat
to being upright. You may be asked to change positions during the test. For example,
you may need to lie on your side, back, or stomach.

Once the test is done, someone will help you off the table.

What happens after an upper gastrointestinal series?

You may go back to your normal diet and activities after an upper GI series, unless
your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

You may have constipation afterward if all of the barium doesn’t pass out of your
body. You may also have impacted stool because of this. You may be told to drink plenty
of fluids and eat foods high in fiber to help the barium pass out of your body. You
may be given a laxative to help with this.

Your bowel movements may be lighter in color until all of the barium has left your
body.

You may have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea because of the contrast material used.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these:

Difficulty with bowel movements or you aren’t able to have a bowel movement

Pain in your abdomen or your abdomen is larger than normal (distended)

Stools that are smaller in size than normal

Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure

The reason you are having the test or procedure

What results to expect and what they mean

The risks and benefits of the test or procedure

What the possible side effects or complications are

When and where you are to have the test or procedure

Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are

What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure

Any alternative tests or procedures to think about

When and how will you get the results

Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems